Victim called a drug dealer as duo is hit with slaying rap

The 58-year-old man found bound and dead in his Kapiolani Boulevard apartment made his living off selling drugs and was killed for them, according to court documents.

Yesterday, the two men charged with the murder of Ted Hiroshi Arifuku made their initial appearance in Honolulu District Court.

Sistine "Paco" Rangamar, 27, and Curtis Ray Brooks, 32, were each charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and kidnapping. Bail has been set at $750,000 each.

Both men appeared in court with their legs shackled. Brooks was in a blue jumpsuit, while Rangamar wore a black T-shirt and brown shorts. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday afternoon.

Shortly after 9 a.m. Jan. 15, the landlord at 2525 Kapiolani Blvd. found Arifuku dead and face down with his hands tied behind his back.

Police later discovered Arifuku made his living selling marijuana, methamphetamines and various prescription drugs, according to court documents.

An anonymous tip to police said Brooks, described as homeless, talked about wanting to rob Arifuku because he knew he had a lot of drugs.

Brooks was arrested on Jan. 24. He named Rangamar as the person responsible for the murder, court documents state. He was released as a suspect in the murder case but remained in custody on narcotics charges.

Kalihi police found Rangamar on Alakawa Street on Monday and arrested him on an outstanding warrant.

Court documents allege that Rangamar talked to a woman about how he and Brooks were planning to rob Arifuku on Jan. 13.

The woman also said Rangamar later told her about how he had beaten Arifuku, taken drugs and an undisclosed amount of money, and tied the victim's hands behind his back.

Arifuku died of strangulation but also was found with facial injuries, according to the city Medical Examiner's Office.